Journell, Joseph Brown
Joseph Brown Journell (J.B.), 80, of Narrows, VA, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Heritage Hall in Rich Creek, VA. Born on March 15, 1943, in Pearisburg, VA, to parents Buford Ray Journell and Minnie Mae Pruitt, along with seven siblings.
J.B. lived his whole life there in Giles County. He was beloved by everyone who knew him due to his jovial sense of humor, generous nature, and love of friends and family. He always took every opportunity to make someone laugh by telling a joke, funny story, or pulling a prank.
He retired from Celanese as a millwright in 2005 with 27 years of service. Outside of work, J.B. had other interests that he enjoyed. He loved going for walks through town, waving at everyone he saw and stopping to talk to anyone who he could joke and laugh with. J.B. was a member of the Narrows Volunteer Fire Department with 39 years of dedicated service and held many positions therein. He was also a lifelong avid golfer and member of Castle Rock Golf Course for over 50 years, where he also worked after his retirement from Celanese.
J.B. was preceded in death by his mother and father; and brothers, Buford Ray Journell, Ernest Henry Journell, David Lee Journell, and Alvin Woodyard.
Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife of 49 years, Sandy of Narrows, VA; daughters, Paula (Jamie) of Goldbond, VA, and Sheila (Brian) of Bowling Green, KY; grandchildren, Kari, Colt, and Britanie; and great grandchildren, Koi, Taytum, and Jakob; sisters, Mildren Morris of Baltimore, MD, Vickie (Donald) McCroskey of Pembroke, VA, and Carolyn (Frankie) Atkins of Pearisburg, VA; sisters-in-law, Louise Smith of Peterstown, WV, Barbara (Kenny) Broyles of Durham, NC, Virginia Castillo of Peterstown, WV, Debra (Maury) Ballard of Rich Creek, VA, and Joyce Hale of Peterstown, WV; brother-in-law, Larry (Loretta) Hale of Peterstown, WV; and many other extended family members and friends.
The family would like to thank the rest of the family and friends for their love and support during this difficult time. Special thanks to his extended family at Heritage Hall for caring for him while he was a resident. You made such a difference, both to him and those who loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead, VA, with Pastors Shahn Wilburn and Terry Easter officiating. Burial will follow at the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, VA. Visitation will be held from 11:00AM until time of the services on Thursday at the church.
Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.